Prospective students meet legal fraternity at USQ Springfield

Prospective Law students had the opportunity to find out first hand what it is like to work in the legal arena at the University of Southern Queensland (USQ) Springfield campus last night.

The University hosted a legal profession evening where prospective students were able to talk with members of the judiciary, local politicians and representatives from law firms, Judges and University Law staff.

Head of the School of Law Professor Geraldine Mackenzie said the evening was an excellent opportunity for prospective students to have their questions answered.

'They had the opportunity to meet and talk with a number of experienced legal professionals.'

Professor Mackenzie said Law programs would be offered at USQ for the first time from Semester One 2008.

'Here at USQ we are offering innovative and flexible courses for students and this is a great opportunity for those wishing to study Law,' Professor Mackenzie said.

'Even though the Law degree is new, our staff have been teaching Law in our business programs for 35 years and are very experienced.

'The Law programs at USQ Springfield offer students the chance to study close to home and get the same opportunities as those at larger city universities.'

Local Law firms had also recognised the potential of the USQ Law program and were working closely with the University Professor Mackenzie said.

'The local firms have been very supportive of the new Law degree and they see that by working with us they can try to address the problem they have with getting trained professionals.

'This is a win-win situation for USQ and the profession.'

As Semester One draws closer, Professor Mackenzie was looking forward to welcoming USQ's first Law students.

'The Law program is a huge plus for Springfield and is something that has been coming for a long time,' she said.

'Both the profession and the community have been calling for it and this is an exciting concept for Springfield and is certainly a program that is designed for the 21st Century.'

Media Contact:  Jo-Ann Sparrow, USQ Media, +61 7 3470 4119 or 0428 102 979